BERLIN (Reuters) - Global warming's threat to the existence
of the exotic resorts and beaches tourists crave has not dented
holidaymakers' appetites for pollution-producing, long-haul
trips, experts said at Berlin's annual tourism fair.

In his opening speech to the International Tourism Exchange
fair earlier this week, German Economy Minister Michael Glos
said climate change was a serious problem for the future of the
travel industry.

A Deutsche Bank report demonstrated how the industry would
suffer if the effects of global warming, including rising
temperatures and water shortages, hit popular holiday
destinations such Spain and Australia.

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According to United Nations' research, tourism accounts for
5 percent of world carbon dioxide emissions, which scientists
have linked to rising atmospheric temperatures.

But exhibitors at the fair say tourists so far are not that
worried about the environmental cost of their holidays.

"There is heightened awareness, but does that mean people
are willing to change their approach to travel? The answer is
no," said Geoff Buckley, managing director of Australia's
tourism board.

Online travel agency Expedia says it has seen no decline in
the number of people taking long-haul flights and that climate
worries are a peripheral concern for travelers.

"People are concerned about climate change but they don't
want to change their habits," said Expedia spokeswoman Claudia
Ressel, who added that holidaymakers were happier to contribute
to carbon-offsetting schemes rather than travel less.

Two of Germany's largest tourism groups, Thomas Cook and
TUI said they will do more to promote carbon-offsetting schemes
for customers booking flights. But interest in such voluntary
schemes, where others are paid to cut emissions on the
airlines' behalf, has so far been small.

Another area that has failed to take off yet is eco-tourism
in which people opt for train over air travel and make shorter
journeys, said Klaus Liedtke, editor of National Geographic
Deutschland magazine.

German tourism companies say business is booming, despite
an expected slowdown in national economic growth, with the
tourism industry expected to grow by 3 percent to 4 percent
this year.

And travel groups argue exotic destinations in developing
countries would take a severe economic hit if they were to fall
out of favor with tourists.

"Tourism is an easy target," said Nancy Cockerell from the
Travel Business Partnership consultancy. "But it's both the
culprit and the victim."